Although conceding it would be difficult to undo the ratification, one of the protesters noted that there is a "rising recognition that the [Japanese] Government is not listening to the will of the people", making protests more common.

"While it may not be realistic to expect ACTA to be undone by this government, I'm fairly sure a lot of the members of Parliament who approved it are going to regret that decision very soon," the protester said.

The Inquirer reported the treaty had been passed through Japan's House of Representatives without debate late last week.

The International Trademark Association (INTA) applauded Japan for ratifying the ACTA, with executive director Alan Drewson saying it showed "leadership in the global fight against counterfeiting and piracy".

“Other countries must follow Japan, and send a clear message to counterfeiters and pirates that their crimes will not be tolerated," he said.

INTA urged the signatories to work within their respective governments to pass the trade agreement and provide businesses, consumers and innovators protection from the harms of counterfeiting and piracy.

ACTA is still being debated around the world.

Canada, South Korea, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Singapore and the United States have all signed the agreement and are in the process of ratifying it.

All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any form without prior authorisation.Your use of this website
constitutes acceptance of nextmedia's Privacy Policy and
Terms & Conditions.